Thursday, April 20, 2017

Incentive mark should not be granted

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the plea of postgraduate medical courses’ aspirants from Rajasthan who have challenged the State’s preference for graduates who have worked in rural and difficult areas during their MBBS course.

The State allows 10% incentive marks to in-service MBBS doctors who have served in remote areas in National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2017 for admission to PG courses.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar heard preliminary submissions made by advocate Jasmeet Singh against the State government’s award of incentives to students who have worked in rural and difficult terrains during their MBBS years and listed the matter for detailed hearing on Thursday.

Their petition contended that such incentive was firstly not notified by the Rajasthan government prior to commencement of the selection procedure. It argued that the process of selection for the NEET 2017 began in September 2016 whereas the State government notification came on March 20 this year.

Secondly, the State had not notified any such rural or difficult areas.

Thirdly, it is not mandatory (and is only discretionary) as per the Medical Council of India Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations to grant such incentives.